California, Texas set nationwide records for new coronavirus infections

The country’s two largest states broke the nationwide record for most new coronavirus infections reported in a single day on Wednesday, with California tallying 18,350 and Texas nearly 16,100 — around 3,000 and 1,000 cases more than the previous high, respectively.

The new records come amid a trio of surging metrics: infections, virus hospitalizations and deaths are all on the rise across the country. Wednesday was the 33rd consecutive day that the United States set a new record in its seven-day average of reported cases, according to data compiled and analyzed by The Washington Post. Nearly 90,000 people are currently in hospitals with covid-19, another record.

The United States logged nearly 2,300 coronavirus-related fatalities on Wednesday. It was the pandemic’s deadliest day in the country since early May.

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Daily coronavirus-related deaths in the United States have reached levels not seen since the early throes of the pandemic, an ominous sign that more grim months lie ahead.

The top official in charge of the U.S. Agency for International Development, John Barsa, has tested positive for the coronavirus, U.S. officials said.

In a Thanksgiving address, President-elect Joe Biden urged Americans to unite in their fight against the coronavirus. He urged Americans to take “simple steps” like wearing a mask, limiting the size of gatherings and socially distancing from others.

The Washington, D.C., region is on the brink of the toughest season of the pandemic so far, experts say, with the coming winter poised to eclipse the virus’s impact in the spring.

Foreign observers are watching with trepidation — and at times disbelief — as coronavirus cases surge across the United States, and scores of Americans are choosing to follow through with Thanksgiving plans.

Germany recorded a record number of covid-19 deaths over 24 hours — over 400 — as leaders debated whether to extend virus restrictions over the Christmas holiday season.

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